In a significant move, the White House has terminated the employment of Paul Martin, the inspector general of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), according to reports from Fox News.

The dismissal occurred on Tuesday and was executed by the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, not by USAID’s acting administrator, Marco Rubio, who also serves as Secretary of State.

This action follows a critical report issued by the USAID inspector general, which questioned the Trump administration’s decision to pause international aid. Furthermore, the timing is notable as it comes just a day after USAID expressed concerns that the administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency severely hindered its ability to track $8.2 billion allocated for humanitarian assistance.

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A USAID flag displayed at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

USAID currently faces scrutiny from the Trump administration, as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, investigates its financial practices and prepares for potential restructuring or closure.

According to an announcement on February 4, the agency indicated that most of its staff would be placed on leave by the end of the week, with only personnel involved in “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs” remaining on duty.

Reports suggest that overseas missions were also instructed to cease operations.

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The Trump administration terminated USAID’s inspector general on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara, File/Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Lawmakers, media organizations, and research institutions have been examining USAID’s financial records as the agency appears to be undergoing a transformation. Numerous instances of funds directed towards dubious initiatives have been uncovered, including a “Sesame Street” adaptation in Iraq and pottery classes in Morocco.

Recent investigations revealed that USAID transferred millions to extremist groups affiliated with designated terrorist organizations, according to findings by the Middle East Forum, a U.S.-based think tank.

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Established in 1961 during the Kennedy administration, USAID is an independent agency that collaborates closely with the State Department to manage civilian foreign assistance programs.

Marco Rubio mentioned in a letter to bipartisan lawmakers on February 3 that the agency’s future remains uncertain, and it could face elimination following its reorganization efforts.

Contributions from Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton and The Associated Press assisted in this report.